Republic lawmaker welcomes review of his backing of a defense contractor

The House Ethics Committee said Monday it is reviewing a matter involving Rep. Tom Petri, R-Wisconsin, amid a potential conflict over his advocacy for a defense contractor from his district in which he owned stock, according to Government Executive.

The review is something Petri, who is retiring at the end of the year after 18 terms, requested himself.

"I look forward to the Committee on Ethics completing its review," Petri said in a statement. "I remain confident that the committee will find that I acted properly, and that I reasonably sought, relied on, and followed the committee's advice and that I complied with House rules."

Petri's advocacy for Oshkosh Corp. reportedly inflated the company’s stock value as he promoted the company around Washington.

Oshkosh is a big player in land systems, competing often with Arlington-based BAE Systems Inc. and General Dynamics Corp. in Falls Church.